Hear the Sleigh Bells Ring! For Middle School Choir Wednesday, October 19, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Hear the Sleigh Bells Ring! by Greg Gilpin, 3-part mixed with piano and optional sleigh bells
This original up-tempo holiday selection in a minor key uses independent vocal lines imitating bells then moving into a rhythmic homophonic chorus. Optional descant and sleigh bells add to the joyful lyric of a holiday sleigh ride.
As Winter Comes Again arr. Douglas E. Wagner, 3-part mixed with piano
Pairing the gorgeous, traditional French tune, UNE JEUNE PUCELLE, with a breathtakingly beautiful original lyric, Doug Wagner presents an exquisite seasonal ballad for developing choirs. Featuring long legato lines, expressive phrasing, and warm choral writing, this ethereal piece will create an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility during the winter season.
A la Puerta del Cielo arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, 3-part mixed with piano
This tender Spanish lullaby, also known as “Duermete Niño,” has been given an expressive setting for choir. Appropriate for concerts at any time of year, this work exudes an elegant simplicity while a gently flowing accompaniment enhances the serene mood of the piece. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All by Andrew Parr, 2-part with piano
This seasonal concert selection provides a great opportunity for singers to sing independent melodies while simultaneously creating a unified ensemble sound. The refrain of the piece draws on the tune from “Angels We Have Heard on High.” With a message of universal peace and joy to all, your singers and audiences will find deep meaning in this holiday original.
Merry Christmas, Now We Sing! (A Christmas Medley) arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 3-part mixed with piano and optional glockenspiel
This bright and joyous Christmas choral is a brilliant medley of familiar German, Polish, English, and French Carols. The vocal parts have been skillfully arranged to facilitate ease of teaching and ease of learning at that most busiest time of year. The piano accompaniment brims with festive flair while the optional glockenspiel adds sparkle and Christmas cheer.
The Shepherd’s Spiritual arr. Donald Moore, 3-part mixed with piano
Here’s a swingin’ gospel treatment of “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” that your ensemble will enjoy singing year after year! It’s a great confidence-builder, an exciting audience-pleaser, and just plain fun for all involved, especially when you use the tambourine part!
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years and a former church choir director of 20 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!